Parade to High-Light’ Christmas activities downtown this evening

An evening of Christmas activities featuring the annual “Magical High-Lights of Christmas Parade” is planning in downtown Brownwood this evening.

“Bring your folding chairs and blanket to view the parade and the outdoor movie afterwards,” Emily Crawford, director of tourism for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said.

The festivities sponsored by Downtown Brownwood Inc. and the Brownwood Jaycees will begin at 5 p.m. when concessions, bounce houses and school mascots will be on the streets. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., and activities will resume after the parade at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Streets to be closed for the parade at 4:15 p.m. are East Baker and Carnegie in front of the coliseum to South Washington and East Adams in front of the Depot; East Lee and South Greenleaf to East Adams and South Greenleaf; and East Lee and Congress to East Adams and Congress. Parking in the 200 to 500 blocks of Center Avenue will be blocked beginning at 4:30 p.m. Those same blocks of Center will be closed to through traffic at 5 p.m., and will reopen at 9 p.m.

Downtown stores will be open prior to the parade, and concessions will be located in front of Fancy’s Day Spa, 402 Center Ave., featured hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and drinks. Hot chocolate will be served in the 500 block in front of Hamilton’s.

Three bounce houses will be located in the 400 block of Center, in front of Cheapo Depot, Frames & Things and The Fashionette. They will be available for use at no charge.

Meanwhile, mascots from local schools will be roaming the street to meet and greet fans.

The parade will run from 6 to 7 p.m.

Afterward, Santa will arrive in the 300 block of Center in front of Martha’s Attic. The Brownwood High School Vocal Ensemble will sing Christmas carols in front of the Lyric Theatre, at the corner of Center and Anderson. Then, the classic holiday movie “Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer” will be shown outside in the street at the Lyric Theatre.

Pat McLaughlin, parade organizer for the Brownwood Jaycees, said no deadline has been set to sign up to participate, but advance sign-up will allow planners to prepare for entries, “Over-lighted” entries are encouraged. No entry fees are charged to enter the parade.

Awards will be given in the following categories: Best of Parade, Best Lights, Club/Civic Organization, Choir, Company/Industry, Equine, Religious, School, Vehicle, and Most Patriotic. For safety reasons, the sponsors ask that nothing be thrown from a moving entry. However, walkers may distribute candy or other items by hand. Also, no open flames are allowed on float unless approved by the Brownwood fire marshal.